Geographic Information System (GIS)

The Geographic Information System evolved from having a basic mapping capacity to being able to transform field generated differential GPS data into high quality thematic maps for a wide range of users and usages. The PCSDS GIS unit was established to store and retrieve spatial data for all users including partner agencies such as the DENR, DLR and LGUs. It is used for land classification and land-use management, and for synthesis and high-resolution graphic presentation of bio-physical and socio-economic data down to household scale.

It entails various activities like collection, collation and generation of essential spatial information in accordance to the management needs. The design of an efficient GIS meta-database is vital to address the required documentation of each individual map, efficient storage system, retrieval and maintenance of data integrity. It is not merely a collection of maps but individual map is described and archived into a simplified structured filing system. Map querying offers several ways of listing and accessing the content of the database. Available maps can be enumerated either on a per locality or category-base (e.g., administrative, topographic, land use/cover, hydrologic, etc.) along with their technical details. It is targeted that the GIS database be linked or integrated with other in-house database and collaborating agencies.

Since its establishment, a major step has been made in terms of networking. In the south, it links through the GIS of the South Palawan Planning Information Center (SPPIC) to the 5 SPPA municipalities* and in the north to San Vicente and Roxas municipalities thru data sharing and technical assistance.

Recently included in the network are the District Management Offices (DMOs) of PCSDS. Links have also been developed with the Planning Department of the City of Puerto Princesa and the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO). Of particular importance for land-use planning are the socio-economic data (over 300 parameters) of the provincial Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). This integrated network allows full use of the potential of GIS as a tool in planning.

The PCSDS GIS network consists of the following equipment: 9 desktop computers (4 x Pentium III/5000, 5 x Pentium IV/500), 2 P4 notebooks, 1 main server, 1 36" plotter/print server, 1 42" HP Color Scanner and Plotter, 1 800dpi scanner, GPS (4 Trimble Explorers + base station), digitizer, 3 ArcInfo licenses, 3 Arcview licenses with spatial analyst/image analyst extension, satellite image software (ENVI & IDRISI) and Geo-survey software (R2V converter, Cartalinx). It has also trained the following manpower complement: 19 LGU staff trained in the use of their GIS equipment, 5 PCSD Staff from the main headquarters and 9 from the DMOs.

The future value and success of the PCSDS GIS network now depends upon steadily improving the management capacity of the unit and ensuring that the links with the Integrated Database System and the local government and other project partners, such as the SE M P - N P, are consistently maintained. Key action which must be taken includes a) keeping the database up-to-date through adherence to internal management guidelines b) further developing the GIS operating and business model and c) raising the quality of management.

During 2004, 18 maps of various themes were produced and integrated into the State of Palawan’s Environment Report. A number of thematic maps were likewise produced upon request of various public and private entities. The validated land cover of Dumaran and Araceli were integrated in the Revised ECAN map. Various ECAN maps used for field validation and presentation to LGUs were likewise produced.

Includes Sofronio Española, Brooke's Point, Quezon, Rizal and Bataraza